5 Things to Know About New Foam Cushions

It’s a good idea to replace worn out, compressed cushion inserts before you have a custom slipcover made for your chair or sofa. That’s because a slipcover won’t hide cushion wear & tear. It follows the surface and shape of your furniture exactly as is. If your foam cushion dips or bulges in certain spots so will your slipcover.

Finding comfortable foam cushions cut and wrapped to the shape you need is often challenging for my local customers as there are few options here in Kalamazoo. I’m not a foam expert but after covering many new foam cushions over the years I learned there’s more to it than simply choosing “high density foam”.

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing foam cushion inserts:

1. What type of foam do you want to use: conventional or natural latex?

Conventional foam is typically made from polyurethane treated with fire retardant chemicals. It’s the most common foam used in furniture and cushions. It’s offered in a variety of densities and firmness. The down side of conventional foam is it’s known to out-gas toxins, which accumulates in our environment and bodies.

An alternative to conventional foam is natural latex. This is not memory foam. Natural latex foam cushions are made from the sap of rubber trees. The sap is processed into foam using minimal chemicals. Choose from Dunlop or Talalay latex in a variety of densities and firmness. It’s considered a healthier alternative to polyurethane foam because it does not contain synthetic fillers or treated with chemical flame retardants. It’s long lasting, too.

2. How do you want your cushions to feel?

It’s important to try different foam densities and firmness to determine the right comfort feel. A firm, high density foam may sound great compared to your old, squishy cushions. But “firm, high density” in one foam quality can feel hard-as-a-rock while in another it feels softer and springy.

I suggest contacting a knowledgeable cushion supplier that offers a variety of foams so you can compare. If you can’t find a good resource in your area try www.foamorder.com. Also, keep in mind seat cushions are generally firmer than back cushions so shop for the appropriate foam quality for each.

3. What type of cushion wrap do you want?

Foam cushion inserts need to be wrapped with a Dacron polyester batting or an alternative material such as down, wool or cotton. The wrap adds a crown to the cushion surface and makes the cushion easy to slip into a slipcover.

A wrap also adds to the comfort and overall look of the cushion. For example, if you want a flatter appearance and a denser feel go with a Dacron polyester wrap. It comes in a variety of loft (puffiness) and densities. Or, if you want more of a puffy pillow look go with a down wrap. It will give your cushions a loftier crown and a sink-in feel.

4. What is the size and shape of your cushions?

To get correctly sized foam inserts, take your old cushions in their original cover to your foam supplier. The new foam will be cut to fit the original slipcover taking into account the type of foam and wrap you choose. Be sure your supplier understands the look and comfort you want to achieve.

If you order foam inserts online follow the supplier’s instructions for measuring your cushions and selecting a wrap.

Tip: look for a supplier that can make each cushion from a solid block of foam. I stay away from foam inserts that are pieced and glued together. Average size foam inserts that are pieced and glued break down much faster than a solid block of foam.

5. What will new foam cushions cost?

New cushion inserts will not only improve the comfort of your chair or sofa but also add longevity to your newly slipcovered furniture. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re planning to use your loved & worn furniture for several more years.

In my area new conventional foam inserts cost approximately $65 to $150 depending on size and quality of materials. You can except to pay much more for natural latex foam inserts.

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2 thoughts on “5 Things to Know About New Foam Cushions”

Wow, Karen, I’m very impressed with your knowledge of foam/latex. I owed a foam retail store for over 20 years so I am very experienced with the products. I can say that everything you stated in your above article is dead on right and I don’t think you left anything out. Well done.